Creating different and useful forms of electronic security is often a fun task, and one interesting example has been documented by Wilson McCoubrey. With an Arduino, RFID reader device and a servo, Wilson has created a simple yet effective form of RFID-controlled locking system for a typical drawer. Doing so is quite simple, with the most difficult part mounting the servo securely enough so that it can use its torque to open and close the lock. However once fitted the project works quite well, as shown in the following video:

In order to help others make their own versions, Wilson has provided the Arduino sketch and related documentation for download from his website. And to keep up to date with our news, blog and upcoming new product annoucements - follow us on twitter and Google+.

If you're looking for a fast way to interface RFID readers with your Arduino or compatible board, check out our new DLOCK RFID Door Lock Shield. It's a fantastic and simple method of interfacing a variety of RFID readers and an electric door strike to your Arduino-compatible board. The design is based on the circuit described in the "RFID Access Control System" project in the book "Practical Arduino", and the shield arrives in assembled form to save time and effort:

With the DLOCK shield you can easily interface common RFID readers such as ID12, ID20, RDM630, RDM880 and HF MultiTag readers. Furthermore there's status LEDs, power jumpers for door strike power and plenty of space for extra on-shield circuitry. For more information and to order, please visit the DLOCK page.